Big blow for Sri Lanka's Kusal Perera as dope test failure highlights negligence

New Delhi: Doping has been a major factor in cricket and this time Sri Lanka batsman Kusal Perera has to pay the price after testing positive for a banned substance.

Perera's urine sample was tested in Qatar after the ICC had originally found it contained banned substance.

Sri Lanka cricket finds itself in a spot of bother after Perera became the second player to test positive since Upul Tharanga in 2011.

Perera has been crucial for a Sri Lankan side in transition and the prospect of facing a ban of four years serves as a big blow for the 25-year-old.

Failing a dope test earlier this month, Perera's case highlights negligence. Doping is a serious offense in sport and Perera's situation puts him in a spot of bother.

Earlier too players have faced the brunt in facing bans for doping. Four years is a long time and Perera being in a crucial phase in his career should have been careful.

Though he is getting the backing of the Lankan board, Perera's ongoing disciplinary process will be interesting as no official official penalty has been announced.

The situation had seen Perera dropping out of Sri Lanka's current tour of New Zealand.

The Asian giants face New Zealand in the ODIs now after a 0-2 loss in Test series.